FAQs

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A Therapy APPOINTMENT?

woman hugs her dogs in a field by the mountains in tennessee she gets anxiety treatment and depression treatment via online therapy in tennessee at vitus counseling 38139

You schedule a counseling appointment using this link. Or you can email me at stucook@vituscounseling.com or call me at (615)-709-5779.

WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?

Individual Session: $125 for 60 minutes
Couples Session: $150 for 75 minutes
Family Session: $175 for 90 minutes

Will Insurance cover my therapy session?

I am not an in-network provider for any insurance. However, I will gladly provide you with statements should you wish to submit them to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENT DO YOU TAKE?

I accept card on file payments through TherapyNotes.

DOES YOUR COUNSELING CLINIC HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY?

I understand that it may, at times, be necessary to cancel an appointment. To help me be most effective with my time, I require any appointment changes or cancellations to be made at least 24-hours in advance. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please text me at (615)-709-5779. Any changed, cancelled, or missed appointment with less than 24-hour notice will be charged the full cost of a visit. Charges will be made against the credit or debit card I have on file.

Do I have to be Christian or Catholic to Benefit from Therapy at Vitus Counseling?

No. Although I am Catholic and trained to provide Catholic Therapy, I will gladly welcome clients of any faith or background. You don’t even have to belong to an organized religion to meet with me. My goal is to provide light in the dark places. So, if you’re struggling and ready to find relief, I am confident I can help.

My counseling services include:

How do I know If You and I are a good fit to work together?

This is a very personal decision. But, I want you to first think about whether you are comfortable talking to me and sharing personal things during counseling. Your relationship to your therapist is the most important factor in whether therapy will be successful. That’s why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before your initial appointment. This gives you the opportunity to get to know me a little and gauge your comfort level. You can also learn more about me here.

One thing that sets me apart from other therapists is the emphasis I put on providing you with realistic solutions to achieve healing and peace. I partner with my clients during therapy. You are the expert in your life and your problems. So it’s my job to listen and provide insight and tools to heal when it’s appropriate.

What is the difference between talking to you During counseling and talking to my partner, family, friends, or priest?

man hikes in the tennessee mountains. He goes to counseling in germantown, tn and online therapy in tennessee with vitus counseling 38139

There are several important differences between talking to me, your therapist in counseling versus talking to others in your life. Although you may have a very good relationship with any of these people, there’s a sense of peace that comes from talking to me at my Brentwood, TN counseling clinic or online that you would not find elsewhere. This is because counseling is confidential and private. Furthermore, I do not have any preconceived notions on your background or agenda. I am an unbiased ear for you to share your burdens with. Then I can use my extensive training to provide you with real life coping techniques to deal with the issues you’re having. These therapeutic interventions have been proven successful by years worth of evidence.

Can’t I just Take Psychiatric Medications and avoid therapy?

You can. But, I don’t advise this. Although medication can certainly help manage some psychological symptoms, it will not get rid of them completely. To truly feel better, you have to be willing to put in the work. If you think medication may be something you’re interested in, I will gladly discuss your options with you and collaborate with your doctor or psychiatrist if you wish.

IS ADHD a real disorder? Or it is a label others give to describe challenging behaviors.

Unfortunately, ADHD gets a lot of negative press, and it can certainly be misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed. But, I have studied ADHD for years, and I can confidently say that it is real and that without treatment it can make an individual’s life very complicated. That being said, I don’t feel like medication is always the answer, especially when treating adult ADHD. Behavioral interventions have been proven to be very successful in managing the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults.

I can’t decide if online therapy or in-person therapy is right for me. What are your thoughts?

young african american businesswoman on a computer gets online therapy in tennesse with online therapy stu cook at vitus counseling

In my opinion the choice between online therapy and in-person counseling depends on three factors: your availability, your comfort level regarding technology, and privacy. If you’re very busy, homebound, or live in a rural part of Tennessee, going to counseling every week at a counseling clinic can be downright impossible. This is where online therapy can make a huge difference in allowing you to access high-quality mental health care. All you need is a computer, smartphone, or tablet and an internet connection to log in to your secure therapy appointment with me. In regards to technology, I promise online therapy is easy to access and doesn’t require much technological skill. But, if you’re more comfortable meeting in-person and avoiding it all together I totally understand. Likewise, if you don’t have a space in your home or office to meet with me in private, then in-person counseling at my Brentwood, TN therapy clinic may be a better fit for you.

Is online therapy effective?

Yes! In fact, research on online therapy shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy in treating a variety of mental health concerns.

What if my spouse won’t come to marriage counseling with me?

Although it’s certainly my preference to meet with both of you during marriage counseling, I respect their decision. I am happy to say that sometimes, a relationship can even benefit if just one partner attends therapy. Getting support and just talking about your issues with an unbiased party are always a smart thing to do.

I’m a private person, and I’m concerned that rehashing my problems will just make it worse. is this true?

No. Although it may be hard to talk about the issues you’re having, I can assure you that once you do you will feel relieved. Counseling takes some hard work, and it means going outside your comfort zone and being vulnerable. I will provide you with a safe space to do this and allow you to take all the time you need to feel comfortable sharing with me.